Preseason NFL games often fly under the radar, typically not delivering the high-stakes drama fans crave. However, Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has managed to bring some excitement to this typically subdued period of the NFL calendar.
In a recent preseason game, the Dallas Cowboys triumphed over the Las Vegas Raiders with a score of 27-12. One particular highlight from this victory was Brandon Aubrey’s stunning 66-yard field goal. This achievement has set a new standard for extraordinary preseason performances, even though preseason stats don't count in the NFL's official record book.
A Historic Kick
Aubrey’s 66-yard field goal is now tied with the NFL overall record set by Justin Tucker in 2021. Tucker, known for his clutch kicking, made his record-breaking kick in a high-pressure situation that sealed a 19-17 win for the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions. While Aubrey’s kick did not carry the same stakes given its preseason context, it is nonetheless an extraordinary feat that will be remembered for years.
Before Aubrey's kick, the benchmark for the longest field goal in a preseason game was set by Ola Kimrin, who nailed a 65-yarder in 2002. At that time, Kimrin was part of the Denver Broncos' training camp but ultimately played only five career regular-season games in the NFL with Washington in 2004. Kimrin had a 60% success rate on field goals in his career, including a miss from beyond 50 yards. Aubrey’s kick not only outshines Kimrin’s but also points to a higher potential given his success in practice.
Uncharted Territory
The context of Aubrey’s achievement becomes even more remarkable when considering the broader history of long field goals in the NFL. Up until Kimrin's 65-yarder, only four field goals had surpassed the 60-yard mark in NFL history. Between 2003 and 2023, the NFL saw a total of 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more in regular-season play. Among these, only Tucker and Aubrey have managed to hit a field goal longer than Kimrin's 65-yarder when considering both preseason and regular-season games.
"Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice." According to NFL's Next Gen Stats, his 66-yarder would have been good from 72 yards, underscoring his potential to make game-changing kicks in high-stakes situations.
A New Hope for the Cowboys
As the preseason winds down and the regular season approaches, the Dallas Cowboys appear to have found a promising asset in Brandon Aubrey. His impressive kicking prowess could become a crucial factor in close games, potentially elevating the Cowboys' performance in the upcoming season.
The narrative of Aubrey’s 66-yard field goal serves as a testament to the hidden gems that can emerge during the preseason. While these games may not carry the weight of regular-season clashes, they occasionally provide moments of awe and excitement that remind fans why they love the sport.
For the Cowboys, and their fans, Aubrey’s kick represents hope and a glimpse of what could be as the team gears up for another season. The impact of a reliable long-distance kicker cannot be overstated, and Aubrey’s performance has surely secured him a spot in the discussions around the Cowboys' strategy moving forward.